|
|
|
Huron-Kinloss looking for help combating the invasive species phragmites australis The township of Huron-Kinloss needs as many volunteers as possible on July 16, 17, 18 and 19, to assist in the removal and disposal of phragmites australis, an invasive grass species that has overtaken the beaches. Scientists are concerned that the growth of this plant in beach areas could negatively alter dune ecology and displace the rare native species found in Lake Huron’s dunes. The displacement of native species and the formation of dense monocultures (one species) also have negative impacts on insects, birds and other species that rely on intact dune habitats. Huron-Kinloss and areas both north and south have been plagued with the weed for several years and the problem is getting worse. Huron-Kinloss however, is “taking the bull by the horns” and once again being pro-active when it comes to looking after its beaches. Starting on July 11, township staff will be cutting down the phragmites in some of the areas where the growth is at its worst in an attempt to rid its beaches of the plague. They cannot do it alone. Council and staff are asking for volunteers to help with the huge undertaking. Parks and recreation supervisor Mike Fair says the job is more than staff can handle on its own. “We could put 20 staff on it for two weeks and still not get it all. We really need to get public and those concerned with our beaches out there to lend a hand.” Fair says that after consulting with Geoff Peach of the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, there are very few ways to combat the invasive species without harming other native plants. After consultation with the agencies, Fair says, “Cutting the invasive grass annually and eventually starving the roots to death will eliminate the plant and allow the native species to repopulate.” Phragmites is a colonial plant, spreading by rhizomes (underground stems) and capable of forming large stands or colonies arising from one or a few seeds, or the smallest of plant or root pieces. They can form in brackish water and in disturbed areas and their aggressive growth and tendency to out compete other plants and form mono-specific (one species) stands has many conservation biologists worried. It is characterized by its towering height of up to four meters (about 14 feet) and its stiff wide leaves and hollow stem. Its feathery and drooping inflorescence (clusters of tiny flowers) are purplish when flowering and turn whitish, grayish, or brownish in fruit. They wave like plumes in the breeze. Flowering occurs from July-October. "Native plants such as American Beach Grass, Great Lakes Wheat Grass, Pitchers Thistle, Reed Grass, Sand Cherry and Wormwood play a valuable role in keeping our beaches intact and are being put at risk by the over-abundance of the invasive reeds. Those valuable and rare grasses are mixed in with the towering phragmites and being starved out,” says Peach. “Destruction of the native vegetation makes the dunes unstable, so it is important that when ridding the beach of phragmites, the native species are not destroyed in the process.” Peach says if the roots of native species are eliminated, it increases wind erosion and causes the coastline to recede. The result could be a pebble beach where a sandy beach once was. The roots of these plants keep the existing sand in place, while the tops provide a start for dunes." Lots of help needed near the Point Clark Lighthouse Ridding the area south of the Point Clark lighthouse will be a tough go because of the rocky terrain. Much, if not all of the cutting will have to be done by hand, as the roadside mowers, which will be used in other areas, cannot be used in that area. Fair hopes that volunteers will come out to assist with the huge undertaking. How can you help? Township Staff and equipment will be cutting the invasive phragmites grass and need your help on the following dates at the following locations. Volunteers please register at the corner of Huron Road and Attawandaron Road. Staff, Stewardship Rangers and volunteers will place grass on tarps to be transported to vehicles for landfill disposal. Any 10X12 tarps would be appreciated. Lurgan Beach Grass Clean up: July 18 at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers please register at the corner of Bell Drive and North Street. Again, any 10X12 tarps would be appreciated. The Grass will be cut July 11 and left to dry until July 18. Staff and volunteers will burn on site (if possible). Otherwise, staff and volunteers will place grass on tarps to be transported to vehicles for landfill disposal. South Boiler Beach Grass Clean up: July 19 at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers please register at the corner of Heritage Drive and Boiler Beach Road. Once again, any 10X12 tarps would be appreciated. The Grass will be cut July 12 and left to dry until July 19. Staff and volunteers will burn on site (if possible). Otherwise, staff and volunteers will place grass on tarps to be transported to vehicles for landfill disposal. Other beaches: There are small pockets of the invasive species located at other beach locations along the Huron-Kinloss shoreline. If you know the location of a patch and would like to volunteer to remove please call 395-2909 to register as a volunteer and a staff person will do a site visit to confirm grass identification and disposal methods. More information on the invasive species phragmites australis can be found by clicking here. |
|